Family, tradition, love. Jewish weddings have a beautiful way of incorporating these three elements, and it was exactly what Na'Omi and Alex's wedding at the Shaar in Montreal was all about. When we met Na'Omi and Alex a few days before their wedding, they shared with us how grateful they were feeling. To have their families and friends, many of them from around the world, joining them at "home," the synagogue that has hosted many significant events in their lives, was something they were so excited to experience. Na'Omi had tears in her eyes as she told us about all the important individuals that would be there, and how much they all mean to them.

It was with their families by their side that Na'Omi and Alex experienced their wedding day. From getting ready with them, Alex at his parents' home, to holding their hands as tearful speeches were delivered at the reception, it was clear that family was everything to these two. I loved observing the family dynamics at play, particularly in the moments before the ceremony as the voice of the cantor rang through the doors and out into the hallway where Na'Omi and her mom were waiting to walk down the aisle. I saw the the reality of the day sink in and the emotion wash over them. I imagined myself in Na'Omi's mom's shoes, my daughter about to marry the love of her life, and thought how much she had to be grateful for. Na'Omi, the kindest, sweetest person you'll ever meet, marrying an equally kind and sweet individual with whom she shares mutual adoration. What more could a parent hope for?

Alex's nieces and nephews added a whole other layer of personality to the day, as only children can, contributing their own magic to their aunt and uncle's wedding. We found ourselves constantly drawn to them, and their experience of the day became a fun parallel storyline for us to explore!

Na'Omi said she always wished for us to be her wedding photographers, even before she and Alex were a couple, and I feel so grateful that we remained on her radar long enough for that wish to come true.